Somatic Experiencing
A body-oriented approach to treating trauma
Bypassing the Brain
Somatic Experiencing® is a therapeutic tool used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders. Somatic Experiencing® is a body-oriented approach developed by Meadows Senior Fellow Dr. Peter Levine, a leader in trauma treatment. While studying the stress responses of animals in their natural environments, Dr. Levine discovered that trauma is not about the event. It is actually the biological and physiological response to the event. Dr. Levine believes that accessing the nervous system and bypassing the brain allows for more relaxation, containment, and emotional self-regulation.
The Goals of Somatic Experiencing®
- Being present in the here and now
- Exploring choices and options
- Creating stability in patients’ relationships and lives
two effective approaches
Somatic Experiencing® is used to treat two types of trauma:
Acute Trauma – Trauma caused by a single traumatic event or near-death experience
Developmental Trauma – Trauma during childhood development
The Meadows Model helps patients find the words to describe what they feel. Somatic Experiencing® works to stabilize emotional and physiological distress. These two effective approaches work together in the healing process.
Continue your Journey Toward Recovery
In our safe and nurturing community patients are guided on their journey of recovery by examining the underlying causes of addiction and co-occurring disorders. The goal is for these individuals to gain the courage to face difficult issues, confront grief and loss, heal from emotional trauma, and become accountable for their own feelings, behaviors, and recovery. If you or someone you love needs treatment, we’re here to help.
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Convenient, comprehensive care is available. Your next chapter can start right now.
